DE60117760T2 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING EXTENDED USER SERVICE INTERACTION IN AN INTEGRATED TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method of providing enhanced user-service interactivity between a user and a service in an integrated telecommunications network including an IP-based packet-switched (PSN) portion and a circuit-switched network (CSN) portion. The network supports IN-based service architecture for providing Value-Added Services (VAS) to the user who interacts with the network by operating an IP-compliant terminal. The network includes a switching node that governs call setup, call control, and service access and switching with respect to the user. A Service Control Point (SCP) is included in the network for the provisioning of VAS to the user. The SCP node includes a logic portion for determining whether an interaction between the user and an Intelligent Peripheral is to be effectuated when a service is invoked and an appropriate service trigger is transmitted from the switching node.

Description

GENERAL STATUS OF THE TECHNOLOGY

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates to integrated telecommunications systems and more particularly to a system and method for providing an improved user-service interaction capability in an integrated Telecommunications network. The exemplary integrated telecommunications network can comprise a packet-switched network (PSN), that with a circuit-switched network (circuit-switched network, CSN) is coupled. Similarly, the network may have a PSN section alone include. For example, a network section that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) used to include such a PSN section. Furthermore, can for example, the CSN section comprises a radiotelephone network section, which has a service architecture, that of the intelligent Network (IN) service architecture is derived or based on this.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

in the Related to the phenomenal growth of popularity On the internet, there was a tremendous interest in using Infrastructure of packet-switched networks (PSN) (e.g. which are based on IP addressing) as a substitute for or as a supplement to the existing infrastructures of circuit-switched networks (CSN), the at the modern telephone transmission be used. From the perspective of network operators allows the packet-switched infrastructures inherent traffic aggregation a reduction in transmission costs and infrastructure costs per end user. Ultimately enable Such cost reductions to network operators, the associated Passing on cost savings to end users.

Some the market driver of the existing Internet telephony technology (Voice-over-IP, VoIP) are: Improvements in the quality of IP telephony; the phenomenon the internet; the appearance of standards; cheap cost points for advanced Services over media-rich call management, etc. Some of the emerging standards in this field are the well-known H.323 protocol, that of the International Telecommunications Union (International Telecommunications Union, ITU), the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). or Internet Protocol Device Control (IPDC) by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) or the Simple / Media Gateway Control Protocol (SGCP or MGCP). Using these IP standards, devices such as Personal computer seamlessly interact in a huge internetwork and doing a mix of audio, video and data on all Forms of packet-based networks, which are circuit-switched Network sections can be coupled share.

by virtue of the availability interoperable coupling mechanisms between the PSN and CSN sections It is now feasible, an integrated VoIP telecommunications network in which advanced services, commonly referred to as Value-added services (VAS) under Use of the well-known Intelligent Network (IN) service architecture can be provided. For professionals it is likely easy to see that tremendous incentives exist, both because of economical reasons as well as from the infrastructure, in order to or IN-based service architecture for deployment value-added services within the framework of IP telephony.

generally known can certain services offered in connection with the IN architecture, require an interaction with the user / participant. Both current Implementations of CSN becomes a service resource function (Service Resource Function, SRF) normally by an Intelligent Peripheral embodies and the user-service interaction is via the Intelligent Peripherals carried out, such as interactive voice control, keystrokes, etc. included by the user. Services that have such interactions require be over a service control point (SCP) running which a corresponding switching node that serves the user (e.g., a mobile switching center (Mobile Switching Center, MSC)), which instructs to establish a connection between the user's device (e.g., a telephone) and the Intelligent Peripheral, then subsequently the user-service interactions carried out become.

In In this context one should be aware that the Emergence of VoIP networks and devices, e.g. Smart IP phones, Internet telephones, information devices, etc., causes that the above mentioned Methodology of user-service interaction is not only inappropriate, but excessively limited. Furthermore, the network-centric approach of the IN architecture can the emerging IP-based alternatives of providing Services are questioned.

From the above, it should be apparent that there is a need for a more robust scheme of user-service interaction within the framework of IP telephony, which allows for improved mechanisms for doing so, while still leveraging the existing IN service architecture. The present invention provides such a solution in an advantageous manner.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

Accordingly In one aspect, the present invention has a method to provide improved user-service interactivity a user and a service in a telecommunications network, which supports IN or IN based service architectures, for example Object. The network includes a switching node which embodies call control functionality and service switching functionality Service logic node, preferably as a service control point (Service Control Point, SCP) is implemented, and an intelligent one Peripheral, the utility functionality in terms of the called Services available provides. The user is Internet Protocol (IP) based Terminal / device available to to interact with the telecommunications network. The procedure of The present invention begins by receiving a call in the switching node with respect to the user. A service trigger that linked to the service is for which the user is logged in and is based on information, stored in a user profile database for the user, is then used by the switching node by means of a suitable Transfer service message to the service logic node. After investigation, that an interaction between the user and the intelligent Periphery performed the service logic node passes an instruction to the Switching node, which is an IP-compliant address of the intelligent Periphery contains. At a present preferred exemplary embodiment of the The present invention provides a URL address (Uniform Resource Locator, URL) associated with the Intelligent Peripheral, as its IP-compliant address to disposal posed.

The IP-compliant address of the Intelligent Peripherals is then used by forwarded to the switching node to the terminal. By engaging in the local processing on the terminal, the user sets up a session between the terminal and the Intelligent Peripherals using IP-compliant Address of the Intelligent Peripherals. Then you can the user based on the one called in the service logic node Service to interact with the Intelligent Periphery. Preferably These interactions include mechanisms of the World Wide Web (WWW or the "web"), such as those associated with Java input in multimedia sessions, etc.

According to one In another aspect, the present invention has an integrated telecommunications network the subject, which is an improved user-service interactivity between a user and a service for which the user logged in is, allows, wherein the user operates an IP-compliant terminal / device that is IP-based PSN section arranged is. Preferably supported the telecommunications network an IN-based service architecture and contains a switching node, which connection establishment, connection control as well as service access and service mediation with regard to the user regulates. It is a SCP node included to give the user value-added services to disposal to deliver. The SCP node contains a logic section for determining if there is an interaction between the user and an intelligent peripheral should when a service is called and if by the switching node transmit a corresponding service trigger becomes. Furthermore is a logic section in the SCP for generating an instruction for the switching node which contains an URL of the Intelligent Peripherals contains. The terminal contains suitable Processor means for a local processing which accessing the Intelligent Peripherals using the URL received from the switch node. The user can then over the Intelligent Peripherals using known web-based mechanisms, dependent on from the called special service to interact with the service.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

One more comprehensive understanding The present invention is described with reference to the following detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1A and 1B (Prior Art) show a conventional scheme of user-service interaction in a telecommunications network;

2A and 2 B show a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of a user-service interaction scheme provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

3 Figure 5 is a flow chart of an example embodiment of the user-service interaction method provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings are in the different NEN views identical or similar elements throughout with identical reference numerals, and the various elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale. It will be up now 1A Reference is made; in it is a typical circuit-switched telecommunications network 100 which provides user-service interaction in a conventional manner. In the telecommunications network 100 is for purposes of call control and service switching with respect to a user who is a communication terminal 102 such as a telephone operates, a switching node 104 which is referred to as a service switching point (SSP) and comprises a call control function (CCF) and a service switching function (SSF). It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that in connection with a conventional wireless telecommunications network, the SSP 104 preferably as a mobile switching center (MSC) is running, which serves the user (ie the mobile subscriber).

According to the IN service architecture is in the telecommunication network 100 a service control point (SCP) 106 comprising a service control function (SCF) and a service data function (SDF) for executing corresponding service logic sections upon request of a service with respect to the user. For services that require user interaction, such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR) services, services that provide keyboard input through the terminal 102 require, etc., is in the network 100 a Service Resource Function (SRF) as an Intelligent Peripheral 108 intended. For example, a call center or a customer service center may be implemented in this way.

1B shows a message flow diagram for performing a conventional method of user-service interaction in the telecommunications network 100 , When in SSP (MSC) 104 a call 110 is received, a corresponding service trigger by means of a service message 112 to the SCP 106 forwarded to perform a service logic portion associated with the service. In response, the SCP determines 106 Whether the requested service requires user interaction, and if so, sets a bidirectional connection path 114 with the Intelligent Periphery 108 which embodies a suitable service resource function. Then the SCP sends 106 to the SSP 104 a service message response 116 containing an instruction, a connection path between the terminal 102 and the Intelligent Periphery 108 to enable appropriate user-service interactions. Accordingly, the SSP 104 a bidirectional way 120 between the terminal 102 and the Intelligent Periphery 108 ago. Subsequent interactions between the user and the service will be via the Intelligent Peripherals 108 performed, for example, using recorded messages transmitted to the user and corresponding voice responses or keystrokes from the user.

2A shows a PSN section 200 which can be operated with a suitable IP-based telephony standard, eg H.323, SIP etc., and in which the teachings of the present requirement can be advantageously applied. For experts, it should be clear in this context that the PSN section 200 preferably coupled to a wireless CSN section in an integrated telecommunications network arrangement. Users have an IP-compatible device 203 (For example, an Internet phone, smartphone, information device and the like) to initiate and receive voice and data connections. In addition, with the help of the IP terminal 203 also be accessed on various value-added services (eg video call services, etc.). In the web 200 is a suitable IP-compatible SSP node 202 (ie, an IP Call Server implementing IN-SSP logic) that embodies call control and service switching functions (eg, an H.323 Gatekeeper, a SIP Redirector / Proxy Server, a Media Gateway Controller (MGC), and The like), for connection establishment, connection control as well as service access and service switching. Furthermore, in the network arrangement shown here, an IP-compatible peripheral 204 containing an appropriate service resource function.

• – T 203 – SSP 202: IP unter Verwendung von IP-Telefonie-Protokollen (z.B. SIP, H.323 usw.);
• – SSP 202 – SCP 106: IN, mit der Möglichkeit der Durchführung über IP;
• – SCP 106 – SRF 204: gewöhnlich herstellerspezifische Protokolle, mit der Möglichkeit der Durchführung über IP; und
• – T 203 – SRF 204: verschiedene Optionen, wie z.B. HyperText Transfer Protocol (http), Java RMI, Corba, die im Web verwendbar sind.

It will continue on 2A Reference is made; the communication between the objects of the network section 200 can be done as follows:

• - T 203 - SSP 202 : IP using IP telephony protocols (eg SIP, H.323 etc.);
• - SSP 202 - SCP 106 : IN, with the possibility of execution over IP;
• - SCP 106 - SRF 204 : usually manufacturer-specific protocols, with the possibility of execution over IP; and
• - T 203 - SRF 204 : various options, such as HyperText Transfer Protocol (http), Java RMI, Corba, which are usable on the Web.

It will be up now 2 B Reference is made; in this is a message flow diagram for performing a user-service interaction scheme in the IP-based PSN section 200 ge according to the teachings of the present invention. If in the IP SSP node 202 a call 210 is received, a corresponding service trigger by means of a service message 212 to the SCP 106 forwarded to perform a service logic portion associated with the service.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the service logic sections are modified accordingly so that when the SCP determines that the requested service requires user interaction, instead of instructing the IP SSP node 202 , a connection between the terminal 203 and the Intelligent Periphery 204 in a service message response 214 by the SCP 106 to the IP SSP 202 is sent, an instruction is included to redirect the call to a corresponding IP-compliant address of the Intelligent Peripheral, eg to its URL address (Uniform Resource Locator, URL). Preferably, the SCP node must 106 not in this context with the IP-based Intelligent Peripherals 204 although in some implementations such interactions may be allowed.

Thereafter, the IP-SSP granted the IP-compliant terminal 203 by means of a suitable message transmission 216 between the IP SSP node 202 and the terminal 203 the instruction to redirect his call to the URL.

Local processing means available on the terminal can then automatically access the web page which is the IP-based Intelligent Peripheral 204 equivalent. Thereafter, known WWW mechanisms can 218 which, in some embodiments, use the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) or other multimedia protocols to perform corresponding bidirectional user-service interactions.

For professionals might be obvious that while normally required in the H.323-based networks can, the URL from the SSF to the terminal as an encapsulated parameter to transport in a corresponding H.323 signaling message, IETF-based IP telephony protocols, e.g. SIP, the required transfer mechanisms already in their original signal transmission support.

3 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the steps to be performed in an exemplary embodiment of the user-service interaction method of the present invention described above. The method begins with an initiated or incoming call to the user operating an IP terminal located in a PSN or PSN section in an integrated telecommunications network (step 302 ). When the call is received in the switching node (step 304 ), a corresponding trigger is forwarded by means of a suitable message transmission to the service logic node (ie the SCP) (step 306 ). Thereafter, the service logic node, having determined that a user-service interaction is required with respect to the called service, instructs the switching node to transmit the URL associated with the IP-based Intelligent Peripheral to the IP terminal (step 308 ). Thereafter, the user may preferably access the IP-based Intelligent Peripheral using the URL address, preferably by starting with local processing on the terminal supporting web browsing functions (step 310 ). Then, using the WWW mechanisms (eg, WAP or Java inputs in multimedia sessions, etc.) various advanced interactions between the user and the service can be performed (step 312 ). In addition, traditional keystrokes for user-service interactions may also be available.

by virtue of of the above is likely for professionals be readily appreciated that by the present invention a advantageous solution to provide improved user-service interaction capability is provided in integrated telecommunications networks, which uses the existing IN-based service architecture. Due to the IP capability in the net can accordingly diverse Communication devices / equipment information devices, personal / laptop / palmtop computers, personal Digital assistants, smartphones, TDMA / CDMA / GSM mobile phones with IP addressability etc.

In addition, can using the teachings of the present invention, the WIN / IN logic base which already installed and tested on the market, continues be used even if VoIP network architectures arise. For the average expert might be clear that network operators will be very interested in the expensive, even from earlier reuse existing SCP nodes as they transition to integrate the cellular infrastructures with IP-based PSN. You also need SSP for IP telephony do not mimic the more complex behavior of a circuit-switched SSP, because their functionality is only that they have a redirection request (via IP addressing) to the calling terminal need to forward. Due to IP interactivity, the SRF be further developed and more attractive and interactive interfaces to the end user based on web-based graphics and multimedia support.

• – Der Endbenutzer wählt eine Telefonnummer oder gibt eine solche ein, welche den Benutzer mit einem Call Center verbindet. Die B-Nummer steuert den SCP an, welcher den SSP auffordert, den Ruf zur Webseite des Call Centers umzuleiten. Der SSP sendet eine Rufumleitungsnachricht an das Endgerät, welches diese automatisch interpretiert und auf die Webseite zugreift. Der Webserver kann die Umleitungslogik des SCP implementieren und dem Endbenutzer die Möglichkeit zur Verfügung stellen, mit dem Betreiber Kontakt aufzunehmen, zum Beispiel durch Anklicken eines Icons. Stattdessen kann der Webserver auch die intelligente Logik vom SCP benötigen (z.B. bei der Wahl des Betreibers), doch der Endbenutzer tritt mit ihm (d.h. dem Webserver) für die Umleitung in Verbindung.
• – Der Endbenutzer wählt eine B-Nummer für einen Videoabrufdienst oder gibt eine solche ein Die B-Nummer steuert den SCP an, welcher dem SSP die Anweisung erteilt, den Ruf zu einer Webseite umzuleiten. Der SSP fordert das Endgerät zur Umleitung auf, und das Endgerät greift automatisch auf die Webseite zur Videoauswahl zu. Mit Hilfe von Hyperlinks usw. kann die Videoauswahl-Seite schließlich den Benutzer zum Videoserver leiten (d.h. ein Eingriff seitens des SCP ist nicht notwendig), und es können Web-Technologien (z.B. Real Video) verwendet werden, um den Film anzusehen.

Furthermore, the authors believe that the Operation and construction of the present invention can be seen from the above detailed description. In addition, two specific scenarios are set forth below in order to particularly illustrate the present invention by way of practical examples.

• The end user dials or enters a telephone number which connects the user to a call center. The B number directs the SCP, which requests the SSP to redirect the call to the call center website. The SSP sends a call forwarding message to the terminal, which automatically interprets it and accesses the web page. The web server may implement the redirection logic of the SCP and provide the end user with the ability to contact the operator, for example by clicking on an icon. Instead, the web server may also need the SCP's intelligent logic (eg, in choosing the operator), but the end user will contact it (ie, the web server) for redirection.
• The end user dials or enters a B-number for a video-on-demand service. The B-number drives the SCP, instructing the SSP to redirect the call to a web page. The SSP prompts the terminal for redirection, and the terminal automatically accesses the video selection web page. Finally, with the help of hyperlinks, etc., the video selection page may direct the user to the video server (ie, SCP's intervention is not necessary), and web technologies (eg, real video) may be used to watch the movie.

professionals should be aware that, although the procedure and the system illustrated and described above is presently preferred wherein the exemplary embodiments are not limiting, but rather serve the illustration, of course, various changes and Modifications could be made to it without the scope of protection of the present invention as set forth in the following claims is.

Claims (17)

A method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network having a switching node, a service logic node and an intelligent peripheral, wherein the user is connected to the telecommunications network using an Internet Protocol (IP) based terminal The method comprises the steps of: receiving a call in the switching node with respect to the user ( 304 ); Transmitting a service trigger associated with the service for which the user is logged on, from the switch node to the service logic node ( 306 ); Determining in the service logic node that an interaction between the user and the intelligent peripheral must be performed; in response to the step of determining, forwarding an instruction by the service logic node to the switching node, the instruction including an IP-compliant intelligent peripheral address ( 308 ); Forwarding the IP-compliant intelligent peripheral address through the switching node to the terminal; Establishing a session between the terminal and the intelligent peripheral using the IP-compliant intelligent peripheral address; and interacting with the Intelligent Peripheral based on the service called in the service logic node ( 312 ). Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the call comprises a voice call and the switching node chosen from the group is, which consists of: an H.323 gatekeeper, a session initiation Protocol (SIP) redirection server and a media gateway controller. Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the call comprises a data call and the switching node chosen from the group is, which consists of: an H.323 gatekeeper, a session initiation Protocol (SIP) redirection server and a media gateway controller. Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the call comprises a multimedia call and the Switching node is selected from the group, which consists of: an H.323 Gatekeeper, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Redirect server and a media gateway controller. Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the IP-compliant address of the Intelligent Periphery a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the step of interacting is typing Includes Java information by the user via the terminal. Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the step of interacting is one of the user induced World Wide Web (WWW) mechanism includes. Method for providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service in a telecommunications network Claim 1, wherein the service trigger based on information stored in a user profile database for the user are stored. A telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between a user and a service to which the user is logged in, the user operating an Internet Protocol (IP) compliant terminal, the network comprising: a switching node ( 202 ), which controls call setup, call control, and service access and service switching with respect to the user; a service control point ( 106 ) comprising a logic section for determining whether an interaction between the user and an intelligent peripheral ( 204 ) with respect to the called service; Means in the SCP for generating an instruction for the switching node containing an IP-compliant intelligent peripheral address; and wherein the Intelligent Peripheral is adapted to be accessed by means in the terminal using the IP compliant address received from the switching node. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the switching node comprises an H.323 gatekeeper. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the switching node a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server includes. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the switching node comprises a media gateway controller. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the agent in the terminal for accessing the Intelligent Peripherals using the received from the switching node IP-compliant address a World Wide Web (WWW) mechanism includes. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the interaction between the user and the service Java inputs includes, by the user about the terminal be made. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the switch node a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) redirect server includes. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the interaction between the user and the service multimedia inputs includes, by the user about the terminal be made. Telecommunications network providing user-service interactivity between A user and a service according to claim 9, wherein the IP-compliant address is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator, URL) of the intelligent periphery.